Shagaya’s death tragic, devastating —- David Mark

By Pat PA Okon
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has lamented over the demise of former internal affairs minister, Senator John Shagaya describing it as tragic and devastating.

In a statement signed by
Paul Mumeh, Media Assistant to Senator David Mark, an emotion laden former Senate President said, “I am shocked. I am sad. He was my friend, comrade and colleague.

“He was among the best and fertile minds in the Arm forces during our days in the Nigerian Army.

“Senator Shagaya believed in the sanctity of our unity. He was an advocate of the rule of law and believed in a society where every citizen is free to pursue his or her legitimate ambition in any part of the country without fear of molestation or intimidation”.
Senator Mark noted that after their retirement from the Army, they reunited in the 6th Senate in furtherance of their services to their fatherland.

According to Mark, Shagaya’s death “is a huge personal loss to me. I have lost a bosom friend, a pathfinder and a patriot”.

Nigeria, he added has lost one of her finest and fertile minds.

Senator Mark stated “I am however consoled that he left his positive footprint on the sand of time.

“I am convinced that his legacy of uncommon commitment to the ideals of nation hood will endure and will be a reference point in many years to come”.

He prayed that God in His infinite mercies grant Shagaya eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

The former senator and ex-military general, John Nanzip Shagaya, a prominent APC chieftain, died in a car crash on Sunday and his remains was deposited at an airforce hospital in Jos.